Burningbush
Euonymus atropurpureus
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © maczust63 (iNaturalist #323496885)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Celastraceae
- Genus:
- Euonymus
- Species:
- Euonymus atropurpureus
- USDA Symbol:
- EUAT5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 800 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, greenish
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Bird-cherry ermine (Yponomeuta euonymella), Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma), Yponomeuta multipunctella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- red, purple
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to woodlands and forest edges
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 2-3 months; germination may be slow and erratic.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Repeated cycles of 20C then 4C, 3 months each. Very prolonged.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)